The Amalfi coast, famous all around the world for its naturalistic beauty and its wonderful towns which have always been important holiday destinations, is the area of cost between the Sorrento peninsula and the Cilento Coast. Over the years, thanks to a mix of attractions such as the amazing sea, beautiful landscapes, charming towns, history, culture and an extraordinary culinary tradition, it has become one of the most loved Italian destinations by international jet set, also known as “Divine Coast”. It is no surprise, then, that it is a UNESCO world heritage site.
The towns overlooking the coast, usually made up of fishers and farmers, are perched on mountains’ steep slopes that fall straight into the sea, maintaining their ancient charm. Starting from the south and heading north, let us see the most beautiful towns of the Amalfi Coast that you just cannot miss.
The most beautiful towns of the Amalfi Coast to visit, close to Salerno
Vietri sul Mare
Vietri sul Mare has Etruscan origins and it is considered “the first pearl of Amalfi”. It is universally known as one of the capitals of ceramic, which here is produced in many workshops and you can see it essentially everywhere: in the streets, in churches, in hotels, in restaurants. The Church of San Giovanni Battista holds a portrayal of the saint on ceramic. Many towers dot the center and the surrounding area: the tower in Marina di Vietri, the Belvedere tower in Raito, the tower in Dragonea.
Cetara
Among the most beautiful towns of the Amalfi coast there is Cetara, a small fishing town, overlooked by a tower from the XVI century, become famous for the “colatura di alici”, a sort of sauce – which can be found in ancient Romans’ garum, and that is DOP certified – sea-through and amber-coloured which is obtained by ageing anchovies in a mix of water and salt. This sauce is particularly good for pasta such as spaghetti, but also for fish such as tuna. The town offers several beaches, in some cases only reachable by boat, and that of Lannio, sandy and close to town.
Maiori
Like Vietri, Maiori too was apparently founded by the Etruscans, and the frequented by romans. Later on, international tourism continued to show up here, and the director Roberto Rossellini chose it as one of his favourite destinations. In the town center you ought to see the Church of Santa Maria del Mare, famous for its majolica dome, the ruins of a Benedictine abbey which offer a beautiful panorama, the Castle of San Nicola, and the Norman Tower. Of all the towns of the area, Maiori offer the longest beach in the Amalfi Coast.
Minori
Among the most beautiful towns to visit along the Amalfi Coast is the small town of Minori, that boast a very old history and a lot of myths. One of the main assets of its heritage is the Basilica of Santa Trofimena, built in honour of a martyr whose ashes were put in an urn and then thrown into the sea. Another interesting must-see is the Roman villa dating back to the I century B.C. with the Antiquarium, famous for its frescoes. Then, there is the Church of the Arciconfraternita del SS Sacramento, which is linked to the activity of the flagellants – or Scarbacks – that take part in the celebrations of Holy Week. Its culinary tradition is especially connected to limoncello, made of the nicely scented lemons of the area, and to pastry, which earned it the title of “City of taste”. Here too are located several towers, built to fights the raids of Saracens pirates, among which are Torre del Paradiso and Torre dell’Annunziata.
Ravello
After Minori, Ravello is located a bit off the coast, on a cliff cut through by the Dragone stream. Its position made it historically a very protected place, first from the barbaric invasions, then from the raid by the Saracen pirates that infested the Tirrenic Sea. It is a true gem that has attracted tourists from all around the globe, not only for the breath-taking view which is of unmatched beauty. The composer Richard Wagner and the writer Gore Vidal were some of the many personalities that frequented the town. The Duomo is remarkable; dating back to the XI century, it holds the blood of San Pantaleone that, just like that of San Gennaro in Naples, melts once a year – then there is the Museum of the Opera. The town center stands out for the fondaco houses belonging to Ravello’s old families, such as Palazzo Rogaedo, the most ancient one, that was then transformed into an Augustinian convent. Above all stands the famous Villa Rufolo, known for its wonderful gardens, and Villa Cimbrone, with spectacular gardens and a terrace with busts. The town center is worth exploring, at the discovery of ancient churches and noble palaces sometimes run down, and of the Fontana Moresca, built with copies of fragments from the Duomo’s ancient tabernacle.
Amalfi
For its history, it is the core of the coast. It is impossible not to consider Amalfi one of the most beautiful towns in the Amalfi coast. In fact, Amalfi was a dukedom and one of the four Maritime Republics, and a very important trading town between the IX and XIII centuries. It maintains its medieval charm, represented by the Cathedral of St Andrea, and by Chiostro del Paradiso, designed with an Arabic style: a true outdoor museum. Around the town there the four towers of the Ziro, where Giovanna the crazy was locked, of Poegrola, Tabor and of the Luna. The trip to Amalfi, after the countless ancient churches and fountains, can end at the Museum of Paper, which tells the story of how Amalfi was an important center for the paper production.
Atrani
Confining with Amalfi, Atrani is the smallest town in the South of Italy, and counts less than 1,000 people. An enchanted place, perched on the rocks, that holds all of its ancient charm. It is worth seeing the church of San Salvatore de Birecto, dating back to the X century, and the incredible views that inspired the Swiss drawer Escher. Among the most beautiful towns of the Amalfi coast, and also among the least known.
Furore
Furore is a destination less known than others, but offers something special: its fjord. The Fjord of Furore, in fact, penetrates deeply in the cliff overlooking the sea, opening up in a ravine where the house of this tiny town – where Anna Magnani and Roberto Rossellini lived – are literally clinging to the rock. The fjord features a bridge 30 meters high, on which in the summer a diving competition is held.
Praiano
The town of Praiano was already a tourist-oriented location in the X century, when the Doges of the dukedom of Amalfi came on holiday. An ideal place for the sea, relax and to enjoy a tour around the ancient building of the historic town center of one of the most beautiful places of the Amalfi coast. It is worth seeing the Church of San Giovanni, the Church of Santa Maria ad Castra, and the Church of SS Annunziata, built on the beach.
Positano
Last but not least in the list of the beautiful towns to see along the Amalfi coast is Positano. An important center in the Middle Ages, most of its population left to emigrate to North America. Its luck changed when it was discovered for its unmatched beauty. Filled with churches, amigo which is Santa Maria Assunta with its majolica dome and a black Madonna, Positano counts several watchtowers: Sponda, the oldest, Trasita, Fornillo, Renzo. It is worth seeing the Roman Archaeological Museum of Santa Maria Assunta, an archaeological site which includes two crypts and an area that was once a Roman villa, with walls with frescoes which are the only example of wall painting throughout the Coast.
Immagine di copertina: Amalfi Car Service
